News Roundup

GAP Group launches UK-wide insulation panel recycling service

GAP Group has announced a new UK-wide service to recycle insulation panels, helping tackle materials that have historically been difficult to manage at end of life. The discussion links back to Episode 39, highlighting how specialist treatment is important as construction and demolition waste grows more complex.

Enva to open new fridge recycling facility in Dartford

Enva has revealed plans for a 124,000 sq ft fridge recycling facility in Kent, capable of processing around 35,000 tonnes a year. With fridges containing harmful refrigerant gases and insulating foams, expanding UK treatment capacity is critical to preventing emissions and reducing reliance on export or long-distance haulage.

UK Government publishes first PFAS action plan

The UK’s first dedicated plan to address PFAS — often referred to as “forever chemicals” — marks an important step in recognising their long-term environmental and health risks. While much of the focus is on water, the implications for landfill leachate and contaminated waste streams are significant for the wider waste sector.

One house used Fife Council bulky uplift service 35 times in a year

A single household’s repeated use of Fife Council’s bulky uplift service has reignited debate around fairness, access, and abuse of free services. The story links neatly back to Episode 82 , where the balance between preventing fly-tipping and avoiding system misuse was explored in depth.

McDonald’s launches new “Friends” collectibles

The launch of another wave of plastic collectibles raises familiar questions about short-lived novelty items and their environmental footprint. While marketed at adults this time, Alasdair and Jane question whether these products have any realistic end-of-life beyond the bin.

Rick Stein’s Australia highlights sustainable food practices

In his latest BBC series, Rick Stein showcases chefs embracing whole-animal use and local sourcing. The episode featuring Josh Niland’s approach to fish butchery stood out as a strong example of waste prevention through design — reducing food waste before it even exists.

Topic: The Waste Journey of Cooking Oil

This week’s main discussion focuses on cooking oil — a common household product with a surprisingly complex waste journey. Around 176 million litres of cooking oil are sold in the UK each year, yet estimates suggest closer to 250 million litres of used oil are generated annually. This discrepancy highlights just how unclear the data can be, particularly for household disposal.

Despite long-running campaigns, a significant proportion of people still pour fats, oils, and grease down sinks and toilets. This behaviour contributes to sewer blockages, fatbergs, flooding, and costly repairs. The festive period is especially problematic, with millions of litres of oil entering drains over Christmas alone.

When disposed of correctly, used cooking oil is far from waste. Collected oil is routinely converted into biodiesel for transport and machinery, with by-products such as glycerol used in soaps, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The catering sector generally performs well thanks to established collection systems, but household participation remains patchy.

The takeaway is simple: never pour oil down the drain. Let it cool, solidify it where possible, and check local guidance — whether that’s food waste collections or dedicated drop-off points at recycling centres. Treated properly, cooking oil can power vehicles rather than block pipes.

Rubbish Rant of the Week: Disposable Thinking

This week’s rant takes aim at the ongoing contradiction between innovation and throwaway culture. While materials like cooking oil can be successfully recovered and turned into fuel, we continue to flood the market with items and packaging that have no meaningful end-of-life plan.

Episode 97: The Waste Journey of Cooking Oil